The evolution of fruit colour : phylogeny, abiotic factors and the role of mutualists

Abstract

The study employs an integrative multivariate approach which successfully examines what drives variation in fruit colour. It used phylogenetically controlled models to estimate the roles of phylogeny, abiotic factors, and dispersal mode on fruit colour variation. The effects of animal selection on fruit colour are often difficult to identify. However, the study findings demonstrate that fruit colour is affected by both animal sensory ecology and abiotic factors. Fruit reflection in the ultraviolet area of the spectrum is strongly correlated with leaf reflectance, but it does not correlate with leaf colour in the visible spectrum, thus emphasizing the role of abiotic factors in determining fruit colour.

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Keywords

WILD ANIMALS, WILD PLANTS, FRUITS, SEED DISPERSAL, COLOUR, WILDLIFE, PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, BOTANY, PHYLOGENY, TROPICAL FRUIT, BIRDS, LEMURS, MADAGASCAR, UGANDA, SOUTH OF SAHARA

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DOI